The annual fashion graduation showcase celebrated bold creativity, original storytelling, and innovative collections by the next generation of designers
Mumbai, 15 May 2026: Whistling Woods International (WWI) hosted Aiyanna 2026, the annual graduation showcase by its School of Fashion & Costume Design, marking a decade of nurturing emerging fashion talent through creativity, collaboration, and industry exposure.
Held at the WWI campus, this year’s showcase brought together couture and conceptual storytelling, with graduating students unveiling collections deeply rooted in identity, emotion, culture, and contemporary expression.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Aiyanna is its unique interdisciplinary format, where students from the School of Fashion & Costume Design are not only given the platform to present their runway collections but also to showcase their creative vision through original fashion films. This year, the graduating batch presented four fashion films, highlighting WWI’s innovative approach to blending fashion, storytelling, and cinematic artistry.
Among the standout presentations were a futuristic layered ensemble inspired by Gen Z’s fluid identity and interconnected realities, a collection reimagining femininity and power through rich textures and historical references, and a surreal showcase exploring dreams, control, and chaos through evolving silhouettes and shifting palettes.
The esteemed jury panel included:
- Anurag Bahri, Chief of Design, Style Union
- Garima Singh, Manager Design, Style Union
- Deepit Chugh, Creative Director, Lineoutline
- Shweta Agarwal, Creative Director, ĀROKA
Winners Across Categories:
- Best Collection: Shreya Aarthi Dhareshwar
- Academic Excellence: Himadri Garg
- Jury’s Choice: Reshma Bhimmappa Potalkar
- Commercially Viable Collection: Riya Nirmal Parmar
- Creative Innovative Award: Pankhul Shadani
- Textile/Surface Development: Sakshi Kishore Mantri
Sharing her thoughts on the occasion, Meghna Ghai Puri, President, Whistling Woods International, said,
“Aiyanna represents the moment where education transforms into expression. Every collection presented tonight reflects originality, craft, and the confidence to tell meaningful stories through fashion.”
Jewellyn Alvares, Head of Department, School of Fashion & Costume Design, added,
“This graduating batch has showcased exceptional creativity, research, and honesty in their work. Their collections reflect both technical excellence and strong individual perspectives.”
Aiyanna 2026 continues to reflect WWI’s commitment to nurturing future-ready creative talent while redefining fashion education through storytelling, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
About Whistling Woods International
Whistling Woods International (WWI) is India’s premier Film, Communication & Creative Arts Institute. Since its inception in 2006, WWI has delivered world-class education in Creative Arts. Located within Mumbai’s Film City Complex, the institute offers hands-on training across multiple disciplines including:
- School of Filmmaking
- School of Media & Communication
- School of Creative Arts
- School of Performing Arts
For more information: https://www.whistlingwoods.net/
